CHENNAI: Nanotechnology seems to be the way of the future, and every field is focusing on research and development in their respective streams. The latest in the city is the inauguration of a nanotechnology centre in one of the universities.This brings to focus the strides nanotechnology has taken in the country. Although it was not a single discovery that led to the start of the field, we have a slow revolution on our hands, akin to the industrial revolution. The versatility of nanotechnology is that it can be applied in medicine, engineering, agriculture, consumer goods, defence, security and energy.Speaking at the inauguration of an International Conference on Nanoscience, Engineering and Technology at Sathyabama University, Dr G Sundararajan, Director, International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials, Hyderabad, said that the government is promoting a “nano-mission” to popularise nanotechnology. Started in 2008, with a budget of nearly `100 crore, the mission has set up 12 centres and eight units of excellence, with an investment of `15 to `20 crore each.Apart from this, funds has been given to 250 individual projects, ranging from `50 lakh to `1 crore. “The publications per project are nearly three or four; this shows a high impact. In value for money invested in nanotechnology, India ranks first in the world,” said Sundararajan. A new board, which is autonomous of the Department of Science Technology, has been set up. This will make funding more easily accessible for researchers, he added.Dr CS Sundar, Director, MSG, IGCAR, said that nanoscience had enamoured people from various fields. “I am glad that the conference is bringing the connect between engineering, science and technology. The science has to be engineered to become a technology,” he added.“The discussion should be on the rapid evolution of the subject and what should be done to use it. It is more of a movement. Although early expectations were of a dramatic revolution, the research and development process has taken time,” Dr Sundar said. He added that the Department of Atomic Energy was interested in new technology.Taking a slightly different view of the issue, Dr A Sivathanu Pillai, CEO and MD, Brahmos Aerospace, DRDO, said that India should not let the opportunity to seize a sizeable portion of the nanotechnology market go by, but should focus and invest in the field extensively. “The overall progress has not made much difference. The industries are still apart from the research institutions. This gives the impression to students that there is no scope in the field, and they are apprehensive to join such courses,” he said.Dr Pillai also said that government should focus on bridging the gap, to grow bigger in the field, and give the nation a competitive edge. “What we need most is technology incubation and industry-institution partnership,” he said.
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